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​More Than a Travel Experience: Study Abroad Options at RWU

Deadline to apply for fall semester study abroad programs is March 1

Two students in front of the Coliseum in Rome during a study abroad trip.

February 20, 2018Juan Siliezar

BRISTOL, R.I. – Until last fall, Brandyn Greeno ’18 had never left the country. But now – after returning from a semester in London – Greeno has visited multiple cities in Europe, made friends from around the world and discovered a number of passions he never knew he had.

The most important experience the graphic design and public relations double major had abroad, however, was being immersed and exposed to different cultures, he says. The experience has made him grow personally and professionally.

Like many RWU undergraduates before him – over 40 percent of RWU students study abroad – Greeno discovered that RWU’s study abroad program is not merely a travel experience, but a personal and academic growth experience in an international setting.

Spend a semester in one of the most exciting cities in the world. The London university is known for its vibrant learning environment and its reputation for excellence. It has four campuses, centrally located, in London. The university offers a variety of programs, so all majors are welcome. London’s transit system makes it easy to travel and its proximity to major European cities is a significant amenity. And, of course, there is no language barrier for American students in the city.

Want to visit the "land down under?" The University of Wollongong is open to all majors. The university is about fifty miles south of Sydney and sits between the Illawarra Mountain Range and the Tasman Sea – a perfect setting for students who enjoy small cities and the outdoors. Wollongong is Australia’s tenth largest city and boasts a network of mountain trails with views of the coastline. RWU students quickly become part of campus life with the many clubs and organizations run out of the student union.

These are two of RWU’s Flagship study abroad programs (the third being the RWU London Theatre Program). The Barcelona and Florence programs offer courses to students from the School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation. In Barcelona, known as the "City of Architects," RWU partners with the Barcelona Architecture Center to offer specialized courses in design, field studies and history of European cities, making the city and the surrounding area the campus. Courses are taught in English and no previous Spanish experience is required. RWU students are housed in an international student dormitory, providing ample opportunity to meet students from different cultures.

The Fountain of Neptune in Florence.

In Florence, RWU partners with the International Studies Institute to offer studio classes and excursions in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The city bustles with industry and craft and serves as a launching pad to other major cities. The campus is within walking distance from the renowned Architecture School of the local Universita’ di Firenze.

A number of programs are available in Spain and Italy outside of the architecture school programs.

In partnership with the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University four Chilean universities are open to RWU students: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile, Universidad Diego Portales and Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Santiago is in the cultural heart of Chile and is a great city for students. Students are paired with a language partner for conversational practice to help students learn language and culture.

RWU Students on a short-term study abroad trip at the top of a pyramid in Belize.

A growing option for students are short-term, faculty-led programs – a new approach to study abroad in which RWU faculty are emerging as leaders. These programs are credit-bearing, 2-8 week courses that incorporate travel to a specific location and are guided by faculty. They are offered during winter intersession, spring break and summer. Locations include: Belize, China, El Salvador, Ireland, Panama, Rome, Sicily and more.